Volvic, renowned for its mineral water, has become embroiled in controversy as local streams in the region dry up, leading some residents to blame the bottling plant. The public fountains in the town of Volvic, home to one of the world’s most famous mineral water brands, have been turned off. This comes as nearby streams, once powerful enough to drive flour mills, have experienced a significant decrease in water flow, and local villages are under a hosepipe ban. Sylvie de Larouziere, who heads the water conservation group PREVA, and a local trout farmer are leading the campaign against the Volvic plant, owned by French multinational Danone. They believe that the plant’s operations are responsible for the drying up of streams and the subsequent water shortages in the region.
The Puy de Dome region, often referred to as the “water tower” of France due to its abundant rainfall, is experiencing a decline in water supplies. A hosepipe ban and a prohibition on filling swimming pools have been imposed on 31 nearby districts, affecting around 60,000 people. Even Volvic’s public fountains have been switched off, triggering concerns among villagers about potential water cuts during the upcoming summer season. The unexpected restrictions have come as a shock to residents who had just emerged from winter.
French officials, however, deny that Volvic’s operations are responsible for the drying up of streams. The water shortage issue in the region highlights the worsening strain on water supplies in France and the competing demands for this increasingly scarce resource. Environment Minister Christophe Bechu recently expressed “very serious concerns” as two-thirds of the country’s water tables are below normal levels. Furthermore, the large-scale production of plastic bottles by the mineral water industry has already drawn criticism from environmentalists.
Climate change, population growth, and excessive consumption have long been identified as threats to global freshwater supplies. In France, these issues have begun to manifest, albeit mostly out of the public eye. The country experienced a record-breaking 32-day period without rainfall from January to February, and even villages near the Pyrenees mountains have had to rely on truck deliveries for their water supply. Last summer’s punishing heat and drought affected even the typically lush Alps and rendered major rivers like the Rhine impassable for transportation.
President Emmanuel Macron has acknowledged that the “end of abundance” has arrived due to these climate-related challenges. Delphine Batho, former French environment minister and Green MP, warns that the combination of long droughts, heatwaves, and winter droughts has put drinking water in a critical state. While rains have been scarce, conflicts over water resources are anticipated in the future, as evidenced by violent clashes between activists and security forces in western France.
Similar tensions are erupting in the Vosges region, where Vittel, owned by Nestle, is accused of exploiting the water table excessively. Water disputes involving multinational water companies and local communities have emerged in other parts of the world, such as Mexico, California, and Fiji. Critics argue that exporting water while local populations suffer from water scarcity is unjust.
In the case of Volvic, concerns are mounting as the brand, which dates back to 1935, continues to increase its water extraction from the source. Volvic currently takes 8,500 times more water than it did in 1950, according to its own figures. Despite this, the company is exempt from the latest water restrictions imposed on locals. Volvic has pledged to reduce its extraction limit by five percent, but campaigners argue that this commitment is meaningless considering the company’s current water usage is below its limit. The company claims that its activities do not impact the availability of drinking water in the area.
Fish farmer Edouard de Feligonde, who has seen his water source dry up, has been engaged in a legal battle against Danone, the owner of Volvic. He accuses the company of causing the shortages and has sued the French state for 32 million euros ($35 million). De Feligonde is confident that an expert report ordered by a judge will support his claim that Danone is responsible. However, many people in the community are reluctant to voice their concerns, given that Danone is the largest local employer.
The conflicts surrounding water resources illustrate the urgent need to address the challenges posed by climate change, overconsumption, and population growth. France’s mineral water industry, which is already criticized for its contribution to plastic waste, faces an uncertain future. As France contends with diminishing water supplies, it must carefully navigate the competing demands for water resources and ensure sustainable water management for the well-being of its population and environment.
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